About

The Friends of Lincoln’s Inn Fields was set in up in 2006 by residents, institutions and frontagers in and around London’s largest and most historic garden square. The purpose of the Friends is to represent the users of the fields and those who live or work nearby and to campaign for its continued protection and enhancement.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields was first made a public square in 1894 and has become an iconic open space in the busy heart of London. It is enjoyed all year round by a wide range of users from office workers to students. It also provides, of course, a valuable open space and oasis of calm for local residents, many of whom have little or no open space at home.

The Friends was formed on the recommendation of a Parliamentary Committee to act as a consultative body for the users and frontagers of the square. The Committee had just turned down an attempt by Camden Council to remove certain legal protections given to the square when it was first made public. Had these protections been swept away, the council would have been permitted for several months each year to enclose a large area of the square for private events, events which had, in 2001-2003, caused disruption and disturbance to those using and living around the square. More worryingly, such a ruling would have brought into question the long term protection of all public open spaces in London. Thankfully, the Committee ruled against Camden on this occasion.

It is now important to work with Camden to protect and enhance this valuable open space in accordance with existing legislation. We urge both businesses and individuals to commit to a small annual subscription and join us.

If you would like to join the Friends of Lincoln’s Inn Fields please print out and complete the form and send it to the Secretary.